Targeting agri-environmental policy : An analysis relating to the use of Geographical Information Systems

Policy-based solutions to diffuse pollutant loading of waters, soil erosion and habitat degradation under the current government agri-environmental programme mostly have geographical targeting as a central element. The success of land-use targeting measures that are aimed to change agricultural land management and designed to benefit environmental conservation and protection depends upon both the availability of thematically mapped data and the modelling procedure applied. This paper considers the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)-based spatial models in the conservation of waters from diffuse pollution and the long-term resource protection of soils, habitats and aquifers. The potential of GIS in both targeting and screening procedures is also considered.